BMW to debut new 4-Series convertible at L.A. Auto Show

BMW

The 2014 BMW 4 Series convertible is being unveiled at the 2013 L.A. Auto Show. It will have either a 240-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a 300-horsepower inline six-cylinder. Prices start at $49,675 for the 428i and $55,825 for the 335i.

The 2014 BMW 4 Series convertible is being unveiled at the 2013 L.A. Auto Show. It will have either a 240-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a 300-horsepower inline six-cylinder. Prices start at $49,675 for the 428i and $55,825 for the 335i. (BMW)

The automaker will roll out its 4-Series droptop at the 2013 L.A. Auto Show in November. The 4-series is the new name for two-door versions of the company’s popular 3-series, the name that will remain on the four-door edition of the sport sedan.

This new convertible will use a three-piece folding hardtop, like its predecessor. BMW says extra sound deadening in this top makes it quieter than before, with enough trunk space to fit a set of golf clubs.

The power-operated top folds in 20 seconds and at speeds of up to 11 mph. For top-down driving in cooler weather, BMW will offer an optional neck-warming system similar to those in various Mercedes and Bentley convertibles.

The 4-Series will come with one of two engines. The 428i will have a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 60 mph goes by in 6.2 seconds, and the top speed on the 428i will be 155 mph. This model will start at $49,675, including destination charge.

The 435i convertible, starting at $55,825, get you a 3.0-liter, direct-injected six-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. It will do zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has the same 155 mph top speed as the lesser 4-Series.

Regardless of engine, the 4-Series convertible will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system optional on the 428i.

The BMW 4-Series convertibles will be in showrooms in early 2014.

The 2013 L.A. Auto Show will be open for media days Nov. 19-21. It will be open to the public Nov. 22-Dec. 1. More than 22 world debuts are planned from automakers like Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru and Toyota.